National Technical Reports Library

The National Technical Information Service acquires, indexes, abstracts, and archives the largest collection of U.S. government-sponsored technical reports in existence. The NTRL offers online, free and open access to these authenticated government technical reports. Technical reports and documents in its repository may be available online for free either from the issuing federal agency, the U.S. Government Publishing Office’s Federal Digital System website, or through search engines.

Details

Positive Pressure Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus and the Energy Cost of Fire Fighting.

PB93138600

Publication Date	1981
Personal Author	Lenhart, S. W.
Page Count	39
Abstract	The relationship between the physiologic work tolerance level of male fire fighters and the energy demands of their job was investigated to serve as a basis for the establishment of criteria for positive pressure closed circuit breathing apparatus. External factors suspected of influencing the relationship, such as heat, anxiety and three attributes of positive pressure closed circuit breathing apparatus (increased oxygen content, breathing resistance and equipment weight) were included in the analysis. Evidence suggested that compared to open circuit self contained breathing apparatus, the lighter weight, increased duration, and increased oxygen content of closed circuit breathing apparatus are important attributes when the physiological demands of fire fighting are considered. Positive pressure should be present at, and device duration based on a minute volume of approximately 120 liters/minute. The author concludes that NIOSH should proceed with the creation of criteria for positive pressure closed circuit breathing apparatus.
Keywords	Breathing apparatus Fire fighting Stress(Physiology) Tolerances(Physiology) Protective equipment Occupational safety Oxygen Heat stress Respiratory function tests
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NTIS Subject Category	95E - Life Support Systems 57W - Stress Physiology
Corporate Authors	National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV. Div. of Safety Research.
Document Type	Technical Report
NTIS Issue Number	199308

Positive Pressure Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus and the Energy Cost of Fire Fighting.

Positive Pressure Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus and the Energy Cost of Fire Fighting.
PB93138600

Publication Date	1981
Personal Author	Lenhart, S. W.
Page Count	39
Abstract	The relationship between the physiologic work tolerance level of male fire fighters and the energy demands of their job was investigated to serve as a basis for the establishment of criteria for positive pressure closed circuit breathing apparatus. External factors suspected of influencing the relationship, such as heat, anxiety and three attributes of positive pressure closed circuit breathing apparatus (increased oxygen content, breathing resistance and equipment weight) were included in the analysis. Evidence suggested that compared to open circuit self contained breathing apparatus, the lighter weight, increased duration, and increased oxygen content of closed circuit breathing apparatus are important attributes when the physiological demands of fire fighting are considered. Positive pressure should be present at, and device duration based on a minute volume of approximately 120 liters/minute. The author concludes that NIOSH should proceed with the creation of criteria for positive pressure closed circuit breathing apparatus.
Keywords	Breathing apparatus Fire fighting Stress(Physiology) Tolerances(Physiology) Protective equipment Occupational safety Oxygen Heat stress Respiratory function tests
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NTIS Subject Category	95E - Life Support Systems 57W - Stress Physiology
Corporate Authors	National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV. Div. of Safety Research.
Document Type	Technical Report
NTIS Issue Number	199308